Smidley’s Conor Murphy blends ABBA and Broken Social Scene in new album 'Murphy Horse'

A year after the St. Louis post-hardcore band Foxing announced its indefinite hiatus, singer/songwriter Conor Murphy is making music inspired by what he listens to, in his spare time, in his other band, Smidley. The optimistic tunes and oftentimes melancholy lyrics of “Murphy Horse” — Smidley’s third album — reflect changes in Conor’s life, and the evolution of his relationships with the people closest to him.

STLPR’s Chad Davis sat down with Murphy ahead of the album’s September 25th release. They discussed what the last year has looked like for Murphy since Foxing started its break and Smidley has taken on new life.